The purpose of this study was to assess the ethical and professional learning needs of medical trainees on clinical placements at a care-based facility, as they shifted from acute care to care-based philosophy. Using qualitative data analysis and grounded theory techniques, 12 medical learners and five clinical supervisors were interviewed. Five themes emerged as learning needs: the holistic approach to care, withdrawal of treatment and withholding investigations, the collaborative team model, violations to patient autonomy, Do Not Resuscitate and advance directives issues. The results illustrate the importance of preparing medical learners for a philosophical shift in their approach to patient care, as they move from the more cure-based approach of acute care to the care model of care-based facilities.